Addressing a Press conference here with his Jordanian counterpart, Nasser Jodha, the two ministers agreed on their political stands for the region, as well as economic relations.
“The problem is not with the escalation, it is with the occupation. If the international community doesn’t tackle the Israeli occupation issue, I think it comes down to us, as Arabs, to do some new thinking,” said Shaikh Abdullah.
“We are positive, though, that the promise made by the West regarding this region will be met. We will not be able to see our region live peacefully if the Palestinian occupation continues.
The United States must look at this region reasonably,” he continued. “I do think, unfortunately, these attacks are another warning for us; we must end this occupation,” stressed Shaikh Abdullah.
The Jordanian official was here also to discuss UAE’s financial support for his country, which is going through a tough economic crisis. “The UAE plays a major role in the GCC financial support to Jordan, which is $ 5 billion for a five-year period as grants for economic development,” he mentioned.
“Jordanian economy was too heavily subsidised, which was a serious flaw. We had to rectify that by redirecting the subsidies, which had the result of rising fuel costs in the short term, but we have a deficit to finance,” said Jodha.
“Some people were upset and don’t want to pay double the price for fuel. We are now offering cash compensation for 72 per cent of the population, who live on low income of less than $ 14,000 per year,” he added.
Shaikh Abdullah mentioned that UAE is looking into further investment possibilities in Jordan, and other could help reduce the deficit.
